Attack on the Corps Commander House, Lahore

On 9 May 2023, the Corps Commander House, Lahore was attacked by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protestors in response to the arrest of Imran Khan on the same day.[1]

Corps Commander House attack
Date9 May 2023
LocationLahore, Pakistan
Typedamage to premises
Motiveunder investigation but coincides with the arrest of Imran Khan
TargetCorps Commander House, Lahore Corps
Perpetratorunder investigation

Background

In 2018, the PTI won the general election and formed the government in Pakistan. In 2022, the PTI government was ousted from power in a no-confidence motion. Imran Khan first held US responsible for derailment of his government but later he blamed military establishment for conspiring against him. This led to widespread protests and social media campaign by PTI supporters against the Pakistan Army and ISI.[2][3]

Incident

The incident was condemned by the government and the military.[4] The PTI party was accused of inciting violence. The party denied any involvement in the damage, and said that an independent judicial commission must investigate the real perpetrators. However, several thousand PTI leaders and members were arrested in connection with the incident raising human rights concerns.[5]

Aftermath

The government started to crackdown on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf supporters. Several PTI leaders were arrested. Human Rights watchdogs as well as parliaments in various countries have expressed over the arrests and trial by military courts.[6]

Imran Khan's arrest and the following political uncertainty and human rights abuses had a negative impact on Pakistan's economy. The stock market crashed and the rupee lost value. Foreign investors also became wary of investing in Pakistan.[7] Pakistan runs the risk of losing preferential treatment in trade, as a result of government's crackdown on the opposition. [8]

Many PTI leaders left the party under duress and condemned the 9 May violent attacks on Corps Commander House and demoralization of martyrs' memorials.[9][10]

Controversy

On 9 May 2023, Imran Khan was arrested, stirring nationwide violence.[11] During the ensuing violence, the building and its contents were damaged. The official government and the ex-Prime Minister claims of the causes and culprits behind the violence are in disagreement with each other.

Government claims

According to a press release from Inter-Services Public Relations, the media wing of Pakistan Army, Khan's arrest was legal. Immediately after the arrest, an organized plan was carried out to attack property and installations of the army, while chanting slogans against the forces. The army observed extreme patience, prudence, and restraint.[12]

Imran Khan's claims

In an interview with Fareed Zakaria, the former prime minister Imran Khan claimed that the incident of damages, arson and violence were a reaction and possibly a conspiracy.[13] In various other video presentations, he also claimed that security apparatus was also involved in the incitement if not carrying out of the arson and violence.[14]

References
  1. Multiple references:
  2. "Imran Khan claims there's a US conspiracy against him. Why do so many Pakistanis believe him?". CNN. May 27, 2022.
  3. "Imran Khan's U-turn: No longer blaming US for his ouster as PM". Al Jazeera. 14 Nov 2022.
  4. "Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan". ispr.gov.pk. Retrieved 2023-05-26.
  5. "'Deeply Concerned', Pakistan Human Rights Commission on random arrests of PTI workers". Firstpost. 2023-05-15. Retrieved 2023-05-26.
  6. "In letter to PM Trudeau, 16-Canadian MPs raise alarms about 'worst HR crisis' in Pakistan". 2023-05-20. Retrieved 2023-05-26.
  7. "Pakistan rupee, bonds fall to new low after Imran Khan arrest". Reuters. 10 May 2023.
  8. "Pakistan under EU scanner over rights situation for preferential trade scheme GSP+". Pakistan Defence. 2023-05-25. Retrieved 2023-05-26.
  9. "Why have dozens of leaders quit Imran Khan's party in Pakistan?". Al Jazeera. 24 May 2023.
  10. "Imran terminates membership of those who left PTI". The Express Tribune. May 25, 2023.
  11. "Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan arrested, stirring nationwide violence". Reuters. 2023-05-09. Retrieved 2023-05-24.
  12. "Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan". ispr.gov.pk (Press release). Retrieved 2023-05-23.
  13. Chairman PTI Imran Khan's Exclusive Interview on CNN with Fareed Zakaria @CNN, retrieved 2023-05-23
  14. 🔴 LIVE | Chairman PTI Imran Khan's Exclusive Twitter Space Session | #TwitterSpaceWithIK, retrieved 2023-05-23
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